We hear it each year. As new golf products are revealed people consider what the value proposition is in replacing their own aging gear. Then the sticker shock comes. Quality golf equipment is an investment and just like most people do not buy a new car each year, you don’t always need to keep up with the latest and greatest once they hit the retail floor.
Often golfers are a few product cycles behind and that’s okay. In many cases (but sometimes not) the newest product is only a small improvement on the last iteration. That means it may take a few product upgrades to see a noticeable difference.
The key to all equipment is to have it fitted properly, otherwise you will never see its full potential. Because the golf shot depends greatly on our own delivery, even the latest club will not provide enhancements if it does not suit you, be it in the design, loft, lie, face angle, or shaft selection, a,ong many other variables.
If you are in the market for a new driver (or at least new to you) you can often save a few dollars by buying a past product and having it retro-fitted. In the end, it is how the club helps your perform and score better, not whether it came out in the last few months. In the bags of top pros you’ll find many examples of older clubs that have stayed in their bags. They know that ultimately they are just tools to help get the job done.
With that in mind here are five older generation drivers that you could consider upgrading to, while saving a few dollars over that new purchase.
PING G400 MAX
Yes, you may here the term 10K in this year’s line of drivers, referring to the total combined moment of inertia for the clubhead, but I’ll let you in on a secret – the PING G400 MAX was almost at that mark. In fact, it checks at about 9900 MOI, making it ultra forgiving and a highly desirable. If you want stability in a clubhead, this is the one to chase down. We’ve found used ones for as little as $195 (CAD)
COBRA KING F9 Speedback
Simple alignment, high ball speeds, a clean profile…the COBRA KING F9 Speedback has a lot going for it. It’s a five year-old driver but was a early iteration of a COBRA driver that had sleek, clubhead speed -adding aerodynamics as part of its package. Highly adjustable, both in the hosel settings and weight configurations. Expect to pay as little as $200 for a used model.
Mizuno ST 190
Another 2019 beauty often found for about $250 (CAD). Has a forged titanium face for ball speed assistance and a large footprint for extra stability. The Amplified Wave soleplate enhanced flex in the lower part of the face to keep spin rates down, even on thin strikes. High levels of adjustability and used with success by some touring professionals.
TaylorMade SIM2 Max
This 2021 model still fetches $300 (CAD) on the used market but might be one of the best bangs for the buck out there for an older TaylorMade model. Loads of forgiveness in a design meant to balance ball speeds with stability.
It is shaped sleekly to help with air flow around the head and matched with a 16 gram trailing edge weight to boost the overall resistance to twisting.
Also available in a “Max D” model with extra features that encourage a draw ball flight.
Titleist TSi2
With new Titleist drivers expected later this summer, this model is just a generation behind the current (TSR) club offered by Titleist and remains a popular choice among strong amateur players, and even a few pros. A ton of “pop” and the “2” model was noted for higher launch over the “3” model.
Still attracts buyers at around $400, or a little more, but well worth the investment. Great hosel adjustability, stealthy looks, and a sound at impact enhanced by the use of ATI 425 Aerospace Titanium in the club face.
